Working with 'at risk' kids

Here are my notes from the second elective

Ministering to Kids At Risk. Linda White, ACCESS ministries

Realised through chaplaincy that she needed to understand Kids at Risk, or we could end up doing more harm than good.

Our brain is wired differently when we are resilient, and we need to support of others to be resilient

Being at risk means being in a situation that makes me vulnerable to risk, and needing extra support.

Protective factors are factors that help us when in need. For me these are parents, church (and I think particularly of Sunday School leaders), marriage and my children.

What is my relationship to young people?

You need to be secure within yourself to help people work through other issues. If I still have a gaping wound, I end up ministering from a position of desperate need rather than with a scar that shows we have worked through something.

We have so many sub-cultures because people are still looking for community. The village that raises a child may not exist anymore in Australia, but we all still want it at some level. (My paraphrase)

How can I help kids? 

Link them into a community.

We put ourselves into a place to ensure we are not their idols or heroes, but that we are one of five adults who are connected to this child. And if there aren't five people, find them!

Matt 25:31-46 Sheep and goats

What are the needs of young people today that we should meet? 

Kids at risk have even more needs.

Sometimes our behaviour that seems normal is the same kind of behaviour linked to mental health issues.

Video: To This Day

How do we help kids find that beauty?

Treat them with respect

Shut down the ones who don't

Keep telling them what they truly are

Take time with them

Build a group around and with them

Listen, and keep listening

Connect them with role models

Be aware of a persons cultural background too

If you build them up, be aware that you could have a devastating impact if you fail them.

Pray for them, and pray with them. Don't ignore the Holy Spirit as Counsellor

In a study by various psychologists and published by Kidd, protective behaviours included:

Parent and child connection - top of the list!

Supervision - they come on Friday night because it is safe

School connection - or connection to a significant adult in their life

When do you refer to other support or authorities?

Is the child safe?

If you are unsure, get help.

Is the child developing?